Utah Takes out No. 10 Colorado
For Immediate Release—University of Utah Lacrosse
March 23, 2010
BOULDER, Colo.—The Monday night game between the No. 10 University of Colorado Buffaloes (2-2; RMLC 0-1) and the No. 23 University of Utah Utes (6-1; RMLC 1-0) proved to be a tough test for both teams. The Utes were able to maintain much of the time of possession and grind out their sixth win of the season, improving their record to 6-1 with their sole loss coming to Arizona in double overtime.
The contest opened up with a transition goal from the Utes when junior Danny Polityka dodged his defender and fed a cutting Mark Manning for the opening goal. Colorado followed suit and scored a few minutes later on a dodge attacking an unsettled Utah defense. The first quarter was largely characterized by long possessions from Utah and quick, aggressive attacks on cage from Colorado resulting in a score of 2-1 in Utah’s favor.
The second quarter saw both teams battling for every inch as Utah opened up its lead to 3-1 on a strong individual effort by freshman Tyler Kunz. Colorado bounced back with one of Doug Lilburne’s three goals as he backed in his defender and made a sweet wrap-around goal with little angle. Mark Manning answered for the Utes before the first half ended with a score of 4-2.
Colorado would continue to make runs at the Utes in the second half, but each attempt at leveling the score was stifled. The play of freshman goalie Alex Watanawekin led the Utah defensive effort of a second half wherein Utah would go on to outscore the Buffaloes 5-4.
The stat categories were nearly even, showing Colorado winning the shot battle with 31 shots to 29 by Utah. The faceoffs were also very evenly matched, with Utah edging out that battle 10-9 with key wins in the fourth to cement possession and the victory. By the numbers, the goalie play was also in Utah’s favor with 14 saves and six goals allowed compared to a modest six saves and nine goals allowed by Colorado.
Both teams played with fervor that is indicative of the tough competition in the RMLC. Colorado will travel to California to play Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday while Utah will stay in Colorado to play against Colorado State later in the week.
